Ever since I was a little kid, when my mother and I would visit New York, she’d announce, “This is the best city in the world.” That’s how she instilled in me her passion for that famous island. No matter how many other places I visit or how long I’m away for, I always feel an energetic sense of magic when I cross over the Hudson River.

The reason we both feel New York is such a powerful place is because of its grandeur. The buildings are big, the streets are packed, and there’s always a crowd of people. With so many individuals on one small island, there’s always an exciting exchange of ideas going on. Scurrying in between the tall buildings, I always feel so small, but full of possibility.

Feeling both big and small in New York’s metropolis.

All cities — especially the big ones — have a way of reminding you of your place in the world. You know those graphs that always show where human beings fall in the history of the universe? It’s a bit like that. There’s a gigantic world out there and while you can feel disheartened by being just one small dot on the planet, so to speak, it’s also a source of hope and opportunity.

For this week’s photo challenge, explore what it means to find your place in the world. Where’s your safe space? Where do you go when you need to feel inspired or cheered up? Do you prefer to feel cozy and comforted in a smaller town or do you thrive on the buzz of a big city? If landscapes aren’t your thing, you can even explore portraits by playing with scale or fashion.

Let loose and give us a glimpse of who you are in the grand scheme of things.

New York is my most favourite place on earth and I’ve only been lucky enough to go once. It was my dream to go when I was a child and now it’s my dream to return, it’s closely followed by Paris in heart. I love a big city but I’ve come to love the solitude of the countryside too now that I’m older. If my husband is with me, no matter where we are then that’s where I love to be, I just have to get him to love everywhere I want to go!

I was born in the heart of Manhattan, (Yorkville) and it is an exiting place to visit and to live in. I have performed there many times in the past and most people can tell I am from that great city by my speech!’ This is a very interesting article and I enjoyed it because of my association with that part of the world. Thanks for a great blog. Inesita

I visited New York for one night and one day two years back. I found the same thing – I felt a strange pull, a warmth in my belly, a familiarity, and a love for that city that really surprised me. I loved the creativity, the buzz, and the feeling of being there. A huge part of me didn’t want to leave, while I also felt that a huge part of me has always lived there.

RE the question, I’d rather be in a city, though not somewhere big like NY or London, somewhere regional where you may get the vibrancy of a big city but with easy access to countryside. Smaller towns although peaceful with easy access to nature can also be rubbish for social life. If there’s a good rail or bus link to a nearby city then this disadvantage need not apply.